Reds recent transactions signal that Jonathan India's return is near

On Monday, the Cincinnati Reds activated Mike Moustakas from the Injured List and recalled reliever Reiver Sanmartin from Triple-A Louisville.

In turn, the Reds optioned both Colin Moran and Alejo Lopez back to Triple-A Louisville. Jake Fraley was also shifted from the 10-day IL to the 60-day IL as he continues to recover from injury.

All these moves by the Reds point toward one thing; Jonathan India will soon return to the Cincinnati lineup. India has been on a rehab assignment for the last week.

Jonathan India is likely to return to the Reds roster this week.

Jonathan India has been out of the Cincinnati Reds lineup since May 1st. The reigning Rookie of the Year suffered a hamstring injury in April and re-aggravated the injury after coming off the IL a bit too soon.

But last week's MRI revealed that India's hamstring was fully healed and both he and Donovan Solano joined Max Schrock in Louisville to work their way back into game-shape. Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that India is in Arizona with the club and could be activated by tomorrow.

This is tremendous news for the Cincinnati Reds who just lost their top All-Star candidate Tyler Stephenson to the Injured List. Stephenson suffered a broken thumb last week.

In all likelihood, fans should expect to see Jonathan India back in the leadoff spot, which will in turn see Nick Senzel bumped back to No. 6 or 7 in the batting order. Senzel has filled in as the Reds leadoff hitter 14 times this season.

India will most likely return to his familiar spot at second base as well, though it wouldn't be surprising to see David Bell insert the 25-year-old in the DH role from time-to-time upon returning from the injury. Brandon Drury and Matt Reynolds are both capable of playing second base in India's stead.

The Reds will still have to make another move once Jonathan India returns to the lineup. With Reiver Sanmartin now added to the bullpen, the Reds have nine relievers. Somebody's going to have to go.